Chương 214: 194. Raiders attack at Vault 81 PT.2

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After what felt like hours but was only minutes, the tide of battle turned. The raiders, realizing they were outmatched and outgunned, began to retreat, their resolve broken. The Minutemen pursued them, ensuring they were driven far from Vault 81.

As the last of the raiders fled, Sico stood amidst the debris and chaos, his breathing heavy but his spirit unbroken. He looked around at his fellow Minutemen, the militia, and the robots, all standing victorious.

"Great work, everyone," Sico said, his voice filled with pride. "We've defended Vault 81 and shown these raiders that the Minutemen won't back down."

Nora approached, a satisfied grin on her face. "Looks like we've sent them packing. How's the situation inside?"

Sico wiped the sweat from his brow, his gaze scanning the battlefield for any remaining threats. He turned to Nora, who had just approached with a satisfied grin.

"The inside is secure for now," Sico replied, his tone cautious. "The vault door hasn't been breached, but we need to stay vigilant. The raider reinforcements haven't arrived yet, and we can't let our guard down."

Nora nodded, her expression turning serious. "Agreed. We should set up defensive positions and prepare for another possible wave. We can't afford to be caught off guard."

Sico turned to Preston, who had been coordinating the defense inside the cave. "Preston, organize the men. We need to establish a strong perimeter around the vault entrance and fortify our positions. Make sure everyone has enough ammo and supplies."

Preston saluted and began barking orders to the Minutemen and militia. "You heard Sico! Defensive positions around the vault entrance. Check your ammo and stay alert. We're not out of the woods yet."

MacCready, having regrouped with Nora and Sico, added, "We should also set up some scouts around the perimeter to give us early warning if more raiders are on the way. We need every advantage we can get."

Sico nodded in agreement. "Good idea. MacCready, take a few of the best sharpshooters and set up a lookout. If you spot anything, let us know immediately."

MacCready gave a quick nod and moved to gather his team of scouts. Sico then turned to Nora. "Let's also get a headcount and check on any wounded. We need to make sure everyone's accounted for and able to fight."

As the Minutemen moved to reinforce their positions and prepare for a potential second wave, Sico, Nora, and Piper worked together to organize the aftermath of the battle. They checked on the wounded, distributing medical supplies and ensuring everyone was cared for.

Piper, having stayed by the command post, kept the communications open and monitored any radio chatter. "I'm not picking up any immediate threats, but we should stay on high alert. The raiders might regroup and try again."

Sico nodded, his expression resolute. "We'll be ready for them. Everyone knows what's at stake. We won't let them take Vault 81."

The tension in the air was palpable as the Minutemen fortified their defenses. The recent victory had bolstered their spirits, but the knowledge of potential reinforcements kept them on edge. Sico moved among the defenders, offering words of encouragement and ensuring everyone was prepared for the worst.

As the Minutemen continued to fortify their positions and tend to the wounded, the massive, reinforced door of Vault 81 began to open with a deep, resonant rumble. The defenders paused, watching as the door slid open to reveal Overseer Gwen McNamara and Officer Edwards emerging from the vault.

Gwen's face was a mix of relief and gratitude as she approached Sico. "Sico, thank you for coming to our aid. Your support means everything to us."

Sico stepped forward, offering a reassuring smile. "Overseer McNamara, it's good to see you. Vault 81 is where I was born and raised. This place and its people are my family. Of course, I'd come to help when you're in danger."

Officer Edwards, standing beside Gwen, nodded in agreement. "We heard the fighting and feared the worst. Seeing the Minutemen here, standing strong, has lifted everyone's spirits inside the vault."

Sico glanced back at the Minutemen, who were busy securing the area and ensuring everything was in order. "We're not out of the woods yet. The raiders could still send reinforcements, but we'll be ready. We've set up a strong perimeter, and we're prepared to defend Vault 81 as long as necessary."

Gwen's expression softened. "Your dedication is inspiring, Sico. The people of Vault 81 owe you and your team a great debt."

Nora joined them, her rifle slung over her shoulder. "We need to stay vigilant, Overseer. We're still anticipating another wave of raiders. They might be regrouping."

Gwen nodded. "We'll do whatever we can to support you. Our security team is on high alert, and we'll keep the vault sealed unless absolutely necessary."

Sico turned to Nora. "Let's finish setting up the defensive positions and make sure our lines of communication remain open. MacCready's scouts should provide us with some early warning if the raiders are on the move again."

Nora nodded and moved off to oversee the final preparations. Sico then turned back to Gwen. "Overseer, if you have any additional resources—medical supplies, extra ammo—it would be wise to distribute them now. We need to be as prepared as possible."

Gwen nodded and motioned to Officer Edwards, who began coordinating with the vault's security team to distribute additional supplies. "We'll get everything we can spare to your people, Sico."

As the preparations continued, the air remained tense with anticipation. The Minutemen were ready, their resolve unshaken despite the looming threat. Sico knew they had to stay strong, not just for themselves, but for the people of Vault 81 who were counting on them.

Hours passed without incident, but the defenders remained vigilant. The scouts posted by MacCready reported no immediate signs of raider movement, but Sico knew better than to relax their guard. The raiders were cunning and could strike when least expected.

Suddenly, the radio crackled to life, and MacCready's urgent voice came through. "Sico, we've got movement. A large group of raiders, maybe sixty or seventy, heading straight for us."

Sico's expression hardened as he turned to Nora and Piper. "Looks like we're about to have round two. Let's get everyone ready."

Nora nodded, immediately moving to rally the Minutemen. "All units, prepare for incoming raiders! Take up defensive positions and make sure your weapons are loaded. This is going to be a big one."

Piper quickly coordinated with the communications team, ensuring that everyone knew their roles and the latest intel. "We need to keep our lines open. Any updates from the scouts go directly to Sico and Nora."

Sico took a deep breath, then addressed the gathered defenders. "We've faced worse odds and come out on top. Stay strong, stay focused, and we'll push these raiders back just like we did before. Vault 81 depends on us."

The Minutemen quickly sprang into action, reinforcing barricades, checking ammo supplies, and setting up strategic positions. The robots were positioned at key choke points, their energy weapons humming with readiness. The air was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the occasional clink of weapons and whispered commands.

As the raiders drew closer, the first signs of their approach became visible. Dark shapes moved through the underbrush, and the sound of heavy footsteps and muffled voices carried through the night. Sico, positioned near the front line, raised his rifle and took a deep breath, steadying himself for the coming battle.

"Hold your fire until they're in range," Sico ordered, his voice calm but firm. "We need to make every shot count."

The moments stretched out, each second feeling like an eternity. Then, with a sudden burst of movement, the raiders emerged from the darkness, charging toward the Minutemen's positions with a feral intensity.

"Now!" Sico shouted, and the night exploded with the sounds of gunfire and energy blasts.

The Minutemen unleashed a devastating volley of fire, cutting down the first wave of raiders in a hail of bullets and plasma. The robots added their firepower, bright beams of energy slicing through the night and sending raiders sprawling.

Despite the initial losses, the raiders kept coming, driven by a mixture of desperation and bloodlust. They pressed forward, using the terrain for cover and attempting to outflank the Minutemen's positions. Sico and Nora moved along the line, shouting orders and encouraging their fighters, their presence a steadying force amid the chaos.

At the front, MacCready and his sharpshooters picked off raiders with deadly precision, their scopes glinting in the dim light. Preston coordinated the defense, directing reinforcements to weak points and ensuring that the line held firm.

As the battle raged on, the Minutemen's training and discipline began to turn the tide. The raiders, initially confident in their numbers, found themselves unable to break through the determined defense. Slowly but surely, their momentum faltered, and their attacks grew more desperate and disorganized.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the raiders' will to fight broke. Those who could still move began to retreat, dragging their wounded and leaving behind their dead. The Minutemen pursued them just far enough to ensure they wouldn't regroup and counterattack, then returned to secure the area around the vault.

Breathing heavily, Sico lowered his rifle and looked around at his fellow defenders. They were tired, bloodied, but victorious. "Great work, everyone. We've held the line and protected Vault 81. Let's secure the area and make sure there are no more surprises."

Nora approached, her face streaked with dirt and sweat but glowing with triumph. "We did it, Sico. They won't be coming back anytime soon."

Gwen and Officer Edwards emerged once more from the vault, their expressions a mix of relief and gratitude. "You've saved us again," Gwen said, her voice choked with emotion. "Vault 81 owes you more than we can ever repay."

Sico shook his head, a weary but proud smile on his face. "We're all in this together. As long as there are people willing to stand up and fight for what's right, the Commonwealth will always have hope."

The Minutemen cheered, their voices echoing through the night as they celebrated their hard-won victory.

Overseer Gwen smiled warmly at Sico and the Minutemen. "Please, come inside the vault. We've prepared a small celebration for you all. It's the least we can do for saving Vault 81."

Sico glanced around at his tired but victorious comrades and nodded. "We appreciate that, Overseer. We'll gladly join you. But first, we need to make sure the cave entrance is secure."

Turning to the nearest robot, Sico gave firm instructions. "Guard the cave entrance and alert us immediately if you detect any movement. We can't afford any surprises."

The robots acknowledged with a series of beeps and moved into position, their energy weapons still at the ready. Satisfied, Sico motioned for the Minutemen to follow him.

"Alright, everyone. Let's head inside and take a well-deserved break."

The group made their way into the vault, passing through the massive door that had withstood the raiders' assault. Inside, the contrast with the chaos outside was stark. The vault was clean, orderly, and well-lit, a testament to the community's resilience and resourcefulness.

As they entered the main atrium, they were greeted with cheers and applause from the vault's residents. Tables were set up with food and drink, a rare luxury in the harsh wasteland, and children ran around excitedly, their faces lit with admiration for the Minutemen.

Gwen led the group to the center of the atrium, where a makeshift stage had been set up. She turned to face the crowd, raising her hands to call for silence. "Everyone, I want to thank Sico and the Minutemen for their bravery and dedication. They came to our aid without hesitation, and we owe them our lives."

The crowd erupted into applause once more. Sico, feeling a mix of pride and humility, stepped forward. "Thank you, Overseer. And thank you, Vault 81. We're all in this together, and as long as we stand united, we can face any challenge."

Preston, MacCready, and Nora joined Sico on the stage, each receiving their share of gratitude and praise from the vault's inhabitants. Piper, ever the journalist, took notes and captured the moment for posterity, knowing that stories of hope and unity were just as important as tales of heroism.

The celebration continued, with residents sharing their limited but precious supplies to create a feast. Music played, and for a few hours, the horrors of the wasteland seemed a distant memory. Sico and his team mingled with the vault dwellers, sharing stories and laughter, their spirits lifted by the warmth and gratitude surrounding them.

As the evening wore on, Sico found a quiet moment to speak with Gwen. "Thank you for this, Overseer. It means a lot to the men and women out there, knowing their efforts are appreciated."

Gwen nodded, her eyes soft with understanding. "You've given us hope, Sico. In these times, that's priceless. We'll never forget what you've done for us."

Sico smiled, looking around at the faces of the vault residents. "Neither will we. This is what we're fighting for—a future where people can live in peace, without fear."

As the night wound down and the celebration drew to a close, the Minutemen began to make their way back to the cave entrance. They had taken a moment to rest and rejuvenate after a long day. The Commonwealth was still a dangerous place, and there were more battles to be fought, more people to protect.

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• Name: Sico

• Stats :

S: 8,44

P: 7,44

E: 8,44

C: 8,44

I: 9,44

A: 7,45

L: 7

• Skills: advance Mechanic, Science, and Shooting skills, intermediate Medical, Hand to Hand Combat, Lockpicking, Hacking, Persuasion, and Drawing Skills

• Inventory: 53.280 caps, 10mm Pistol, 1500 10mm rounds, 22 mole rats meat, 17 mole rats teeth, 1 fragmentation grenade, 6 stimpak, 1 rad x, 6 fusion core, computer blueprint, modern TV blueprint, camera recorder blueprint, 1 set of combat armor, Automatic Assault Rifle, 1.500 5.56mm rounds, power armor T51 blueprint, Electric Motorcycle blueprint, T-45 power armor, Minigun, 1.000 5mm rounds, Cryolator, 200 cryo cell, Machine Gun Turret Mk1 blueprint, electric car blueprint, Kellogg gun, Righteous Authority, Ashmaker, Furious Power Fist, Full set combat armor blueprint, M240 7.62mm machine guns blueprint, Automatic Assault Rifle blueprint, and Humvee blueprint

• Active Quest: -